After Birth

Having a new baby can be both an exciting and challenging time for new mums and dads.

At PANDA we hear many new parents tell us that one of the greatest challenges they face is knowing what is ‘normal’ and what is not. This applies to understanding their own wellbeing as well as their baby’s. Many new parents believe high levels of distress or unhappiness is a normal part of being a new sleep-deprived parent. They are often told by well-meaning family and friends that feelings of exhaustion, worry or unhappiness are normal – when these feelings might in fact indicate postnatal anxiety or depression.

It is actually difficult to learn how to be a parent, and about the needs and behaviours of a new baby. Especially when you are feeling sore, exhausted and perhaps even distressed by your birth experience. If you are struggling to understand your thoughts or feelings and it is affecting your day-to-day activities it is important to seek support. In particular, if your symptoms last more than two weeks, we encourage you to seek help.

Postnatal anxiety and depression

When anxiety or depression begins sometime in the year after birth it is referred to as postnatal anxiety or postnatal depression.

More than 1 in 7 new mums and up to 1 in 10 new dads experience postnatal depression. Postnatal anxiety is just as common, and many parents experience both anxiety and depression at the same time. Postnatal anxiety and depression can be a frightening and isolating experience as parents try to deal with their symptoms at the same time as needing to care for a new baby, and sometimes other children as well. There are treatments, supports and services available to help you through this experience and it is important to know the signs and symptoms, and to seek help early.

There is another form of mental illness that can affect women after birth: postnatal psychosis. Postnatal psychosis is an extremely serious mental health condition that affects one to two women in every 1000 after childbirth. Postnatal psychosis can be a potentially life-threatening condition that can put both mother and baby at risk so if you suspect you or your partner are experiencing this illness, please seek help immediately.

'My main trigger was a loss of control of our routine. I would panic inwardly if there were sudden changes i.e. visitors, illness.'

Symptoms of postnatal anxiety and depression

Postnatal anxiety and depression can be mild, moderate or severe and symptoms can begin suddenly after birth or appear gradually in the weeks or months during the first year after birth. The severity of postnatal anxiety and depression depends on the number of symptoms, their intensity and the extent to which they interfere with getting on with day-to-day life.

'I couldn’t concentrate on anything, struggled to sit still and couldn’t sleep even though I was extremely tired.'

It’s important to remember that postnatal anxiety and depression is temporary and treatable. So if you or your partner experience any symptoms for more than two weeks, it’s time to seek support. Otherwise things can get worse and it might take longer to recover. And if you or your partner are at immediate risk of harm call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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While PANDA has exercised due care in ensuring the accuracy of the material contained on this website, the information is made available on the basis that PANDA is not providing professional advice on a particular matter. This website is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this website is intended to be used as medical advice, nor should it be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.